Schedule of Events

All events will be held at the Cooperative Conference Center, located at 169 Laurelhurst Ave, Columbia, SC 29210.

Educational sessions and networking events are free and open to all SCPA members, but tickets are required to attend the Awards Luncheon/Reception, Family-Owned Retreat and Kick-Off Cookout Party. 


Thursday, March 9

10 a.m.  - 8 p.m.
Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open
Gallery-Reception

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
Family-Owned Newspaper Retreat
Classroom 1-2

This event is the time for key leaders and owners of the Palmetto State’s family-owned newspapers to come together to connect, share and learn from each other, as well as discuss the unique business issues that family-run newspapers face. The programming and robust discussions will re-energize you and help you plan for your newspaper’s future. Topics are up to the group but may include business challenges and solutions, responding to economic challenges, rising print costs, postal issues, staffing, audience engagement and monetization, growing ad revenue and creating new revenue streams, innovation, public notice, succession planning, training/leadership development opportunities and more.
A working lunch will be provided.

Cost: $65

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.Executive Committee Meeting
Classroom 1-2

5:30 - 8 p.m.Kick-Off Cook-Out Party
Ballroom Salon C & Outdoor Patio

Join us for food, drinks and fun! During this casual kick-off event, attendees will enjoy an old-fashioned cookout of burgers, hot dogs (vegetarian options available, too!), beer and wine on the patio! Come network with SCPA's staff, Executive Committee, members and Annual Meeting sponsors! Bring your family and newsroom friends!

Cost: $50

 

Friday, March 10

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.      
Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open
Gallery-Reception

10 - 11 a.m. 
Counselors Off The Cuff
Classroom 1-2

Join a panel of media law experts for a no-holds-barred discussion on the legal, First Amendment and open government issues you're facing.

11 - 11:45 a.m.
SCPA Business Meeting & Election of Officers
Forum to Discuss Digital Membership
Classroom 1-2

Noon - 2:15 p.m.  
Awards Celebration Banquet
S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame Induction 

Ballroom Salon A-B

This luncheon event will showcase the Palmetto State's commitment to outstanding journalism by honoring the 2022 winners of the Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Associate/Individual Member Contests! Come have a great time and get energized about the important work you do to serve your readers every day. At this event, we will induct our 2023 Hall of Fame recipients: Scott Hunter of the Aiken Standard and Lou Sossamon of The Gaffney Ledger.

Cost: $69

2:15 - 4:30 p.m.President's Reception & Toast to the Winners
Ballroom Salon A-B & Outdoor Patio

Following the Awards Presentation, SCPA will toast the winners during a beer, wine and soft drink reception on the patio! Each registrant of the Awards Celebration Banquet will receive a drink ticket. Additional drinks can be purchased for $4 (cash only; no ATM on site). Stick around to reconnect with old friends and make new connections with your newspaper peers!

2:15 - 3 p.m.How'd They Do It? Show & Tell of the Winners
Classroom 1-2

Want to learn more about the 2022 News Contest winners or give background on the work you're most proud of? Join us for an informal "Show and Tell" discussion of the winning writing, photography, design and digital winners. This is a great space if you're looking for tricks of the trade, new ideas or ways to master your craft!



Cooperative Conference Center

169 Laurelhurst Ave.
Columbia, SC 29210

All events will be held at the Cooperative Conference Center, which is conveniently located near I-26 and I-20, and offers ample free parking. 



The Hampton Inn on the Lake at Harbison

101 Woodcross Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
Book Online or call (803) 749-6999

The Hampton Inn on the Lake at Harbison is just a five-minute  drive from the Cooperative Conference Center. Please note the hotel is close to being sold out, but as of Friday, they've added a limited number of rooms at the  $119 discounted rate through March 3. If this property sells out, there are plenty of other hotels in the area. 


Guests, friends and family of SCPA members are welcome to attend. Please leave Newspaper/Organization field blank if registering a guest who does not work at your newspaper/organization. Thanks!


Annual Meeting Ticketed Events (Select All You Plan to Attend)*

  • Ticket to Awards Celebration Banquet & Reception

    Ticket to Awards Celebration Banquet & Reception

    Friday, March 10
    Awards Celebration Luncheon & Hall of Fame Induction (Noon-2:15 p.m.)
    Reception (2:15-4:30 p.m.)

    Price $69.00

  • Ticket to Family-Owned Newspaper Retreat

    Ticket to Family-Owned Newspaper Retreat

    Thursday, March 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Lunch provided

    Price $65.00

  • Ticket to Cookout Party

    Ticket to Cookout Party

    Thursday, March 9, 5:30-8 p.m.

    Price $50.00


$0.00


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